Miscarriage Causes: Infection

Infections of the genital tract rarely cause a miscarriage, however, there is no clear evidence that they may lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not considered an infection, but a change of the bacterial habitat that normally exists inside the vagina. BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. In some women it shows a relapsing and remitting course with apparently spontaneous onset and resolution. BV is associated with increased risks of late miscarriage.

Treatment

Part of the investigations that I will offer you during your first consultation is a low vaginal swab test (like a cervical smear but from the lower part of the vagina) which you can do yourself. The sample is then sent to the lab. for analysis. The result usually becomes available within 24-48 hours. If the result confirms that you have BV, then I will offer you antibiotic tablets called clindamycin or metronidazole. By having one of these drugs during or before pregnancy the number of late miscarriages are dramatically reduced.

Natalie, is bravely sharing her experience through the struggle of having a family and how...

Dr. Hassan Shehata

Mr Hassan Shehata MD FRCOG FRCPI is a UK based Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and a subspecialist in Maternal Medicine. He is the head of department for women’s health at Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.Read more